Suzy B Software 2/Suzy B Software CD-ROM 2 (1994).iso/extras/textfile/ttmon_1/ttmon_1.txt

Text File | 1995-04-27 | 112KB | 3,007 lines

=========================================================================
(C) 1993 by Atari Corporation, GEnie, and the Atari Roundtables. May
be reprinted only with this notice intact.  The Atari Roundtables on
GEnie are *official* information services of Atari Corporation. To sign
up for GEnie service, call (with modem) 800-638-8369.  Upon connection
type HHH (RETURN after that). Wait for the U#= prompt.Type XTX99437,GENIE
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==========================================================================
 ************
Topic 11        Wed Apr 24, 1991
SANDY.W [RT SysOp]           at 08:12 EDT
Sub: Monitors for the TT
201 message(s) total.
 ************
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 1         Mon Jan 20, 1992
M.ABDULKAREE [ASX]           at 21:37 EST

YES of course Jim! You'd get my money immediately. By the way, I noticed that
some multisync monitors say that they accept both analog and TTL signals, are
these the same as the TT high TTL's?
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 2         Tue Jan 21, 1992
J.ALLEN27 [FAST TECH]        at 10:02 EST

No ECL is different from TTL.
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 3         Sat Feb 01, 1992
M.ABDULKAREE [ASX]           at 23:27 EST

Okay I finallly have my TT with the NEC 5FG monitor..man this is a SHARP
screen and very good on the eyes too!


Okay Mr. Allen where is that TT mono to VGA box you were talking about <smile>
I want one!


By the way, if anyone else has one of the NEC FG monitors can you tell me how
to get the TT's display area to center? Not the monitor's display area which
can be easily done via push buttons but the display that the Atari puts out..
thanks.


Have a TT and enjoying it!
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 4         Sun Feb 02, 1992
M.ANGIER [Mike Angier]       at 00:33 EST

ASX, I had the same centering problem with my 4DS...it seems that Atari
couldn't resist doing something off-standard.  The Atari TT color monitor has
an Atari <=> PC switch on the back and shows the same centering problem as in
the NEC's in PC mode.

I just added a Crazy Dots VME board and it is nice (although compatability is
mostly in monochrome only).  I am typing in STalker while running my NEC at
1280x960 (80Hz interlaced...not too bad).  It uses the entire monitor
screen...edge to edge, top to bottom.

Later, Mike
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 5         Sun Feb 02, 1992
M.ABDULKAREE [ASX]           at 19:17 EST

Thanks.. I thought that there was some vague corrections to be made. Oh well..
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 6         Mon Feb 03, 1992
J.ALLEN27 [FAST TECH]        at 12:07 EST

Interlaced, can't it handle that non-interlaced?
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 7         Mon Feb 03, 1992
M.ANGIER [Mike Angier]       at 23:48 EST

J.ALLEN:  According to the monitor manual, the 4Ds can handle 1280x1024 non-
interlaced, but the pre-programmed modes provided are for the plain 4D which
only went to 1024x768 non-interlaced.

I also like the 1664x1200 mode for pagestream and other programs.

Later, Mike
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 8         Sun May 10, 1992
N.JOHNSON2                   at 22:19 EDT

Has anyone tried an Omnimon Multisync monitor with the TT in TT medium.
Thanks, Norman
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 9         Tue May 12, 1992
R.STUTZMAN2 [RUSS]           at 18:37 EDT

Norman,

I use the Omnimon on my TT and usually I work in TT med. Most productivity
software runs fine. I'm quite satisfied with the monitor. If you have any
specific questions I'd be glad to try to answer them for you.

                                Russ

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 10        Thu May 14, 1992
S.KALEITA [SAK]              at 23:10 EDT

Just for the sake of asking... can the Atari PTC1426 TT monitor be used on an
ST, with one of those adapter boxes (I don't recall the name...sorry).

SAK :)
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 11        Sat May 16, 1992
E.KRIMEN [Ed Krimen]         at 01:17 EDT

SAK,

No, the PTC1426 cannot be used on the ST, even with one of those adapter boxes
(aka multisync switchboxes).  The monitor doesn't sync low enough for the ST
color resolutions (when used on the ST).
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 12        Sat May 16, 1992
M.DRYSDALE [Drys]            at 06:59 EDT

The PTC1426 TT color monitor is NOT a multisync.  It will NOT work on a ST.

A multisync will work on a TT or a ST.

Mike, TEAM COMPUTERS
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 13        Sat May 16, 1992
S.WINICK                     at 10:22 EDT

Mike,

According to Atari's literature, the PTC1426 is indeed a  "Multisync TT/PC
Color Monitor" with a ".29 mm Dot Pitch" .

Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC)
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 14        Sat May 16, 1992
REALM [Joey]                 at 13:52 EDT

     I bought a used multisync so when it gets here I'll take the switch box,
my PTC1426 and plug it into the 520STe and see what happens.  I've been dying
to know this myself.:-)  I'll post here soon as I find out.
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 15        Sat May 16, 1992
J.LEBLANC3 [Jeff]            at 20:22 EDT

I have a Nec 3D hooked up to my TT and it works great.  Just wish it could
handle TT high Rez!

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 16        Mon May 18, 1992
M.DRYSDALE [Drys]            at 06:48 EDT

Sheldon, etal,

I know what Atari said, but they are confused.  A case might be made for
calling the TT1426 a MULTISWITCH, but it sure ain't multisync.  I have hooked
it up to a ST (didn't work) and a PC with VGA (did work). Just for grins I
tried a VGA monitor with the TT, it worked in ALL resolutions.

Mike, TEAM COMPUTERS
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 17        Mon May 18, 1992
DOUG.W [ICD RT]              at 07:46 EDT

The term "multisync" doesn't imply any particular range of horizontal or
vertical frequencies.

--Doug

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 18        Mon May 18, 1992
R.STUTZMAN2 [RUSS]           at 19:38 EDT

Mike,

When you say ALL resolutions are you including TT high???? I thought that
required a seperate monitor.

                                Russ

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 19        Wed May 20, 1992
M.DRYSDALE [Drys]            at 06:52 EDT

Oops.  When I said All resolutions I, meant all resolutions that work on a
color monitor.  That's still 5 out of 6 on a TT.  High res is monochrome, the
19".

Although, to muddy the water a bit.....  There are 19" (and larger) color
monitors that have resolutions high enough to handle TT high. With the correct
cable this could allow all 6 resolutions on one monitor.  BTW, such a monitor
is VERY expensive.  Can you say over $2000.

Mike, TEAM COMPUTERS
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 20        Wed May 20, 1992
M.ABDULKAREE [ASX]           at 21:26 EDT

Mike, I already have a monitor capable of displaying upto 1280x1024 NI and I
still can't get the darned TT high resolution. There is the matter of special
circuitry and custom monitors that Atari was notorious for..


Jim Allen: Didn't you mention something about making a box to allow for high
res. on multisync monitors?
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 21        Thu May 21, 1992
J.ALLEN27 [FAST TECH]        at 11:51 EDT

Someday when I have some time I will do that, I have two Moniterm boards, a
Matrix mono board, and one Moniterm monitor. I'd like to sell off the Moniterm
monitor and one card, and use a box with an NEC5D to display the 1280x960 mono
signal on the RGB monitor....basically it's simple, take the ECL 0/1 signal,
convert to TTL, and drive R, G, and B simultaneously through a small
transistor amp circuit, with a pot on R, G, and B to allow you to adjust the
resulting display for color...a nice bright white/faint blue tint would be
nice.

Anyone can do this, I'm really suprised someone like Toad hasn't already,
since there's potentially excellent margins in Hires color monitor sales.
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 22        Thu May 21, 1992
ISD [Nathan]                 at 13:34 EDT

What about simply getting one of the available VME cards that slot right into
your TT and driving your hi-res multifrequncy monitor in that fashion?
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 23        Thu May 21, 1992
B.WILLIS3 [Bill]             at 20:48 EDT

I don't know... I've kind of gotten used to thinking that *real* ccomputers
have two monitors... <g>
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 24        Thu May 21, 1992
J.ALLEN27 [FAST TECH]        at 23:31 EDT

Well, if you are looking for the added features of an addon color video board,
then yes buy and use one of those. But most of the TT users out there are
looking for a simple monitor that displays ALL the normal TT resolutions, no
muss no fuss just change preferences to the resolution of choice ;-)

The ultimate setup would be a 17"-21" hires color monitor, with a hires color
card, and an ECL-to-RGB converter, that allowed you to easily display all the
TT lower res's, TT hires, and the color video board's output too. No that
would be a trick setup!!
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 25        Thu May 21, 1992
M.ABDULKAREE [ASX]           at 23:40 EDT

Sheesh.. you make it sound sooo simple!


I'm just getting into electronics so either you will have to give me explicit
instructions, or build one. I can't "think" your instructions to a project,
yet.


But it still would be great for my programming projects and the Multitasking
AES to have a large screen to mess around with. Once someone gives me more
than two windows, I manage to get out of hand.. tsk, tsk.


That reminds me:


TO ALL DEVELOPERS OF PRODUCTIVITY SOFTWARE:


If your program spoils the user with the ability to use more than two windows,
please consider adding minor code to allow to automatic tiling, casacde, etc.


Plus, it would be super if you "kept" the windows about 48 pixel margins--
this allows the users to access the icon base.


Of course not all programs need to do this, but Calamus, and others had
better, or else! (it's worth a try. <smile>)
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 26        Sat May 23, 1992
E.KRIMEN [Ed Krimen]         at 00:51 EDT

 > ...basically it's simple, take the ECL 0/1 signal, convert to TTL,
 > and drive R, G, and B simultaneously through a small transistor amp
 > circuit, with a pot on R, G, and B to allow you to adjust the
 > resulting display for color...

Yeah, Jim, that's what I was thinking.... ;^)


(The jargon's fantastic.)
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 27        Sat May 23, 1992
R.RICHARDS2 [Roger]          at 01:07 EDT

Well, if anyone out there designs a TT high res ECL to TTL circuit, please let
us know!

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 28        Sun May 24, 1992
M.ALLEN14 [Mike Allen]       at 17:57 EDT

Roger,

There are ECL to TTL level translator chips.  I don't have the numbers off
hand, but I could look them up Tuesday if you are really interested.

        Mike Allen

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 29        Tue Jun 02, 1992
J.LEBLANC3 [Jeff]            at 01:23 EDT

Russ,

I also tried a VGA monitor with the TT, and it worked in all resolutions
EXCEPT TT high.

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Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 30        Sun Jun 21, 1992
M.SLAGELL [Mark]             at 04:03 EDT

Volunteer(s) wanted for beta test:

A new version of SilkMouse is just completed.  I'd like to hear how it works
across all the TT resolutions (especially TT high) before posting the demo for
general perusal.

SilkMouse is designed to give uniform mouse response regardless of screen
resolution/aspect ratio, with smoother and quicker acceleration than is
available with other mouse accelerators.  It is should be used with the
standard Atari mouse.

Please replay via GEmail to M.SLAGELL -- thanks, Mark @ SilkWare
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 31        Sun Jun 21, 1992
J.ALLEN27 [FAST TECH]        at 23:57 EDT

Sign me up Mark, I have a range of CPU speeds and resolutions available for
use in testing.
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 32        Tue Jun 23, 1992
DARLAH [RT~SYSOP]            at 21:43 EDT

Me too!!
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 33        Wed Jun 24, 1992
S.SAMUELS [ICE CREAM]        at 02:27 EDT

Me 2.
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Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 34        Wed Jun 24, 1992
M.SLAGELL [Mark]             at 09:08 EDT

Okay folks, three's enough.  Thanks.
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 35        Sun Jun 28, 1992
N.JOHNSON2                   at 20:53 EDT

Does anyone know what monitors other than Atari that can display the TT high
resolution.  If I owned a moniterm I would try that hack but I don't.  Also,
what is the general price range for these monitors.  Thanks Norm
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 36        Mon Jun 29, 1992
PDC.SW                       at 01:24 EDT

Norm, well I got a good deal on an Image Systems monitor (about $1000 or a
little under) with a 24 inch screen that gives a much better proporation than
the Moniterm.  It's awesome for DTP, I just had it converted to a 486 sytem,
but still have the TT cable which you can get from me if you decide to do it.
You can call Image Systems at 800-462-4370 and ask them if they can convert
one to use with the TT.

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 37        Sun Jul 05, 1992
N.JOHNSON2                   at 20:46 EDT

PDC.SW Thanks for the reply.  I will call image Systems and see what they say.
Norm
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 38        Thu Jul 16, 1992
S.GILBERT5 [Steve]           at 18:11 EDT

     Is it possible to hook one of the 1280 x 1024 Color SVGA monitors up to
the TT and use it for all of the ST/TT resolutions.  I do not want to use 2
monitors but I want to be able to use 1280 x 960 monocrhome mode and use the
color modes as well.

Thanks
   Steve


 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 39        Fri Jul 17, 1992
BOB-BRODIE [Atari Corp.]     at 11:38 EDT

Steve,

I'm not sure. Check with TOWNS and see what he says.

regards,

Bob Brodie
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 40        Sat Jul 18, 1992
M.DRYSDALE [Drys]            at 06:05 EDT

Good question Steve.

I'd like to have a definitive answer to that.  It may be possible with some
custom wiring.

Mike, TEAM COMPUTERS
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 41        Sun Aug 23, 1992
J.SAFFER [JASON SAFFER]      at 18:22 EDT

I'm wondering how the Atari color monitor that comes with a TT stacks up
against other alternatives. Any views on this issue? The Atari color monitor
(I'm talking about the TT's 14" one) seems to have very clear resolution. But
I also know Magnavox has a monitor that is comparable and also there's a new
Princeton (model 1400?) that's available. Any ideas on this one?

- Jason Saffer
  Hercules, California
  Sunday, August 23, 1992  12:57 pm

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 42        Sun Aug 23, 1992
J.NESS [Jim]                 at 21:15 EDT

Jason -

Re: the TT color monitor vs. others...

It may be a moot point, since Atari has said they've discontinued theirs.

                                 -JN
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 43        Sat Sep 05, 1992
E.KRIMEN [Ed Krimen]         at 01:51 EDT

What are the requirements for a monitor to work (well :^) on the TT?

Will this Hitachi monitor work?  Has anyone seen one of these?  (Oh, it seems
it doesn't have VGA inputs, unless composite or non-composite is VGA with a
different name. :^)


 Hitachi HM-3619A 19" Color Monitor

        Adjustable frequency range
                Vertical 40 - 70 Hz
                Horizontal 28 - 36KHz
        1280x1024 pixels
        Composite or non-composite inputs
        45Mhz video amp bandwidth
        .31 inch dot pitch
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 44        Sat Sep 05, 1992
J.ALLEN27 [FAST TECH]        at 22:03 EDT

Oh, you've seen that ad huh? Composite means it's not RGB, instead it's
designed to take in an IF "intermediate frequency" signal, and pull out the
RGB color information. Sort of 1/2 a television. The non-compostite inputs
could be seperate RGB, in which case it might  work fine. The TT's highest
color output is 640x480 which is about a 34Khz horizontal, so it sounds like
the unit is fast enough.

The .31 dot pitch is pretty coarse though, at 640x480 it'd probably look fine,
but at higher res's it'll start to look shabby. The 36Khz max is too slow for
use with an AlberTT board, but the TT output should work.
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message  45       Wed Jan 13, 1993
O.HANSON                     (Forwarded)

I have just purchased a new TT030 and NEC 15" monitor.  My first problem has
to do with centering the Atari screen on the monitor mask.  There is not
enough centering control without pulling in the monitor mask from the lleft
side creating a dark vertical band.  The Atari dealer says that this is
standard with this computer.  He showed other monitor with same problem and
says that I will have to live with this problem.  Has anyone else had this
problem?  How can it be fixed?  I can't believe Atari would put out a computer
with this incompatibility with standard VGA monitors.  I have tried my
computer with one other VGA monitor (Gateway) with same result.  Am I the only
one to be bothered by this?  My problems with some GFA programs will be
discussed laater

O.Hanson Salt Lake City,Utah
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message  46       Thu Jan 14, 1993
REALM [Joey]                 (Forwarded)

   Haven't seen that problem before.  I've got Atari's monitor so everything
works perfect in every res even in VGA mode.  My cousin is using a 17"
Toshiba's and his works fine.  I tried my NEC 3D once and I don't remember it
having a problem either.  I can check it again if you want me too.  Did you
try enlarging the overall screen before centering it?  Hmm... I also tried a
VGA at work come to think of it but I can't remember about that one either...
it was about 2 years ago.  I don't remember a dark band though.
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message  47       Thu Jan 14, 1993
CBARRON                      (Forwarded)

 No such problem with my Pana. 1381i and tt030.   White screen in ttmedium
begins to the right of screen area abit, the computer image is centered, at
least to my naked eye,  Centered wrt to the physical screen area.

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 48        Fri Jan 15, 1993
J.RENNER1 [Jim]              at 03:18 EST

I have the same problem, but i am using a SVGA Goldstar monitor and figured it
was just a with me. I also tried my TT (brand new by the way :^) ) on a CTX
SVGA. It gave the same result, 1.2" white mask on the left and a 1.7" mask on
the right. I have been using the machine for about 3 days straight now and
don't even notice it anymore. It would be nice to center the image though.


 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 49        Fri Jan 15, 1993
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 18:09 EST

Jim,

I am able to center the image on my TT, using the centering controls on the
Sonty and the ADI (the two m-sync monitors I have here).

Al

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 50        Fri Jan 15, 1993
J.STANFORD2 [John@Lexicor]   at 23:05 EST

I've been using a very cheap VGA monitor on my TT (I think DELL?, I'm not home
to check). The centering control on the monitor allows me to center the image
quite well. However the aspect ratio isn't quite right, you really need a SVGA
with aspect ratio controls to get the screen just right.

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 51        Sun Jan 24, 1993
J.LEBLANC3 [Jeff]            at 08:20 EST

I use an NEC 3D on my TT without any problems.  I have also used a VGA type
monitor when I have brought my TT into work.  Sounds like you may have a
problem with your TT.

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 52        Sun Jan 24, 1993
EXPLORER.1 [] Ron []         at 16:56 EST

Make sure your monitor is on and connected before switching power on the the
TT.

               Ron @ Atari Explorer Magazine

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 53        Mon Jan 25, 1993
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 09:03 EST

>Make sure your monitor is on before powering up the TT...

Right! And if your monitor is a heavy-duty one (Sony, NEC, etc.) you will find
it runs happy and lasts longer if you just plain leave it on all the time. My
Sony has been running all the time for three or four years. (And be sure to
use a screen saver.)

Al

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 54        Wed Jan 27, 1993
J.SAFFER [JASON SAFFER]      at 00:55 EST

Wait a sec....is this correct? I'm supposed to power up the monitor before
powering up my TT? Right now I've got my CPU and monitor (and an external
Syquest) on a power strip/command center so that all I do is turn on the
master switch and everything powers up at once. Is this a no-no and, if so,
how come?

Also, I've been told that it's ok to turn off just the monitor (since it tends
to run hot and heat up the room) when the monitor is not in use for a long
while and then turn it back on when I return, but all the while leaving the
CPU on. Is this too, then, a no-no?

- Jason Saffer
  Hercules, California
  Tuesday, January 26, 1993  9:40 pm

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 55        Wed Jan 27, 1993
J.RENNER1 [Jim]              at 01:53 EST

Jason,

When i purchased my TT i researched the monitor situation quite a bit. There
is no reason, that i know of, to worry about turning your monitor on first. If
for some reason your monitor was not syncing with the TT video signal then it
might be neccessary. As for leaving your monitor off for a while and the TT
on, no problem. You can't hurt the hardware with that kind of practice.

As Nike would say, Just Do It! :^>

Jim.

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 56        Wed Jan 27, 1993
D.D.MARTIN [Swampy]          at 05:38 EST

JASON --

I've always heard and read that all external devices (printers, monitors,
external hard drives/floppy drives etc) should be powered up _before_ turning
on the CPU.  That has been my practice for _years_.  The manuals for every ST
I've ever owned suggest that everything else be powered up before turning on
the CPU.

Hugs...Swampy
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 57        Wed Jan 27, 1993
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 07:04 EST

Jason,

It's OK to turn the monitor off once it is powered on. But do you have to? How
about installing a little cooling fan on the bottom of the monitor to blow air
up through it? The monitor will last longer if you don't switch it on and off
so often.

Al

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 58        Wed Jan 27, 1993
EXPLORER.1 [] Ron []         at 23:54 EST

Jason, I made the monitor suggestion just in case it was not syncing properly.
My NEC 3D will sometimes get confused if switched on with no input signal.

               Ron @ Atari Explorer Magazine

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 59        Thu Jan 28, 1993
REALM [Joey]                 at 00:01 EST

    Jason,  I've been turning everything on at the same time for years.
Haven't had any problems yet.  I also turn my monitor off sometimes if I'm
rendering something for a couple hours and don't plan on being around.
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 60        Fri Jan 29, 1993
J.SAFFER [JASON SAFFER]      at 02:04 EST

Thanks, all, for the input on TT monitors. Much appreciated.

- Jason Saffer
  Hercules, California
  Thursday, January 28, 1993  12:18 am

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 61        Fri Jan 29, 1993
M.DRYSDALE [Drys]            at 06:58 EST

Question for anyone:

 Is there a COLOR monitor that will display the TT's HIGH rez screen?

 Yes, I mean in monochrome at 1280 x 960 (I think those are the numbers).  I
know that cable would have to be modified.  As you might guess, I would expect
that the same monitor would also show the other 5 resolutions.  Size and price
are not a consideration.  We should all have customers with such an attitude.

Mike, TEAM COMPUTERS now POWER Computers
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 62        Sat Jan 30, 1993
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 09:54 EST

Mike,

I've asked about this before (a hi-res color monitor showing the TT's hi-res
mode) and was told it's not possible. But that probably means it IS possible
if someone would come up with some sort of active adaptor to fool the TT and
the monitor into the correct modes.

Al

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message  63       Fri Feb 05, 1993
R.THURMAN2                   (Forwarded)

Can anyone tell me about the PTC1426 VGA monitor for the Atari TT?  Is this a
good monitor or what?

Roger
 *l
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 64        Fri Feb 05, 1993
D.HARRIS8                    at 20:10 EST

 I am also using a CTX Super VGA on my TT and the screen is as reported
 before, an inch or so from the left and almost three inches from the
 right. I'd sure like to increase screen usage area if anyone knows how
 this can be done.
 Don
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 65        Fri Feb 05, 1993
K.SPRINGER1 [FROZEN NORTH]   at 22:50 EST

I am considering a TT.  Is there a file here that give general instructions on
picking a monitor?  Not looking for gold plated, but do want quality.  Have
not been impressed with the monitors, color, that I have seen running on TT's
so far.  I'm spoiled by the sharpness of my SM124.

I would also consider large 2 page displays and such, since I am getting into
Calamus, and sure wish I had more screen space.

Recommendations graciously accepted.  Color or monochrome.

Thanks in advance,

Ken
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 66        Sat Feb 06, 1993
D.WALTER7 [Doug Walter]      at 00:23 EST

Ken,

If money is no object :-) then check out the newer NEC fg flat screen
mutisynchs.  15, 17, & 21"

I use the 4fg 15" on my TT with the Crazy Dots 32k color board, and Calamus SL
in mono 800x600 is sharper than my MST4/SM124 combo at 600x400 (or whatever it
is).  I often use 1024x768 for SL page work, but the icons get kind of small.
The 17" should be great!

The main advantage of the NECs is automatic screen sizing (frequency memories)
when changing resolutions.  You set the correct porportions and positions
_once_ with electronic buttons up front, then forget 'em.

Not to mention how sharp the image is ;-)  A good price for the 4fg right now
is about $749 (direct mail).

Doug7
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 67        Sat Feb 06, 1993
REALM [Joey]                 at 01:10 EST

   Roger, I've got a PTC1426 and it works great!  I think it got discontinued
though so if you can find one I'd buy it.  The base on it fits perfectly onto
the TT and matchs it's design.  All the resolutions automatically fill the
screen.

   Don, My monitor has about 1" on both sides and 1/2" top and bottom. I've
also tried a NEC 3D on my TT and it expanded out about the same. Sounds like
you've got something set wrong you shouldn't have 3".  My cousin has a 17"
monitor and it also adjusts out to the edges.  If you have a TTL switch you
might try flipping it and see what happens.

   Ken, If you want a two page check out ATari's the last one we bought is
like a large SM124.  It's much better then the first model we got.  I think
they sell for around $799 and it works great right out of the box.  I believe
the SONY 1304(?) was also recommended earlier.  One of them I looked up in
Compu_Store had a .26 dot pitch which should be pretty sharp.:-)  If your
using this at home I'd go wih color unless your just a Calamus or DynaCADD
freak.  A lot of things won't work on the two page monitor.  You can run just
about eveything on the color.
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 68        Sat Feb 06, 1993
D.HARRIS8                    at 22:38 EST

 Joey, not to expose my ignorance in public, but if I DO have a TTL
 switch, what and where would it be?
 Don
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 69        Sun Feb 07, 1993
REALM [Joey]                 at 01:25 EST

   Don, Probably on the back.:-)  I'm not even sure if it's there, I've only
actually seen it on two monitors.  I just looked and it says TTC... Hmmm...
could have swore my last monitor had TTL.  Obviously I'm not much better at
monitors then you are.:-)  Anyway, Atari's monitor has a VGA, TTC button on
the back and so did my SAMSUNG before that, although I never tried it on a TT.
The TTC setting automatically supports the TT.  I don't know if thats related
to the TT or the Monitor.
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 70        Sun Feb 07, 1993
K.SPRINGER1 [FROZEN NORTH]   at 14:04 EST

REALM  -  You mentioned that some software does not like the 2 page monitors.
Is that software in general, or software of a given type, such as games?  In
my case, games are not used.  If some productivity software is involved, do
you know of specific software/hardware combos that have problems?

Ken
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 71        Sun Feb 07, 1993
REALM [Joey]                 at 16:36 EST

   Ken, anything that assumes it's in ST High won't work.  Cyber Sculpt and
CAD 3D come to mind.  If you want to test your software download MONSTER.PRG
it simulates a 1280x960 monitor on a normal ST. If your software runs on it.
it'll work on the 2 page.

   One method might be to buy a 17-19" Color monitor and use it at home for a
while as you recouperate financially.:-)  Then add a graphic card with
1280x960x256 or 1024x768x256 color.  You'll end paying more in the long run be
a lot better off.  If your going to use Calamus you'll need one with a mono
mode.

   Theres also the AlberTT card which is really cheap now and supports
1024x768x16.  You still need a color monitor and some mono only programs like
Calamus won't run on it.  Calamus SL will but Calamus won't.  You don't have a
problem with that method though because you can just switch the card off and
use the normal ST/TT resolutions if you have a problem.

   You could also start with the Mono and add a Color monitor later if you
need too or vice versa.  Theres plenty of options, it's more of a money
problem then anything.... at least for me.:-)  I've got the 14" color and a
Matrix card but I can't afford a monitor to really exploit the Matrix, catch
22.  Hopefully I will, eventually.:-)  It sort of pushs my Atari monitor to
it's limits at 768x528x256.  It really flickers to much to use very long.
640x480x256 is great though!
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 72        Sun Feb 07, 1993
K.SPRINGER1 [FROZEN NORTH]   at 22:39 EST

REALM - I have a backup 1040 with SC1224 for playing with Cyber Sculpt and
other color programs.  Seems I have one of the versions of Monster here
somewhere, but couldn't get it to work with the acc's and auto programs I like
to run.  Guess I'll have Aladdin do a search on monster while posting this.

Any suggestions as to where to get comprehensive info but not overly technical
on graphics cards?  I wrote Dover one time, but got no response.  I never
followed up, since a lot of Atari developers were not answering my letters,
and I was "f word" mad about this, especially when hearing about small market,
etc.  This was long before I had a modem and access to helpful folks here on
GEnie.

Ken
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 73        Mon Feb 08, 1993
REALM [Joey]                 at 00:11 EST

     Ken, You can ask J.ALLEN27 about the AlberTT card.  My cousin has two.
They basically provide a 1024x768x16colors out of the normal TT 4096 color
palette.  The nicest thing is it only contains one really smal Auto Folder
program and your TT sees it exactly like it sees ST Low or TT Medium.  Most
programs work with it right out of the box as long as they'll support a larger
area.

     I've got a brochure on the Matrix cards but everythings in German
including the software.  THere harder ot use then the AlberTT but you can
configure everything down tot he height and width an scan rate of the the
screen.  They range from a 1280x960 mono card all the way up to 24bit color.
I have the cheaper color one, if you want to know more about it let me know,
I'll drop you some Email.  Some of the cards have add on bus's for realtime
video grabbers and genlocks.  The even have an adaptor to use the 24 bit video
digitizer card on the cartridge port of any ST and the Falcon.

    I just saw a Crazy Dots for sale over in the for sale section. Might be
worth checking that out.

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 74        Tue Feb 09, 1993
D.WALTER7 [Doug Walter]      at 00:55 EST

Ken,

There is of course, a Crazy Dots category upwind of here a little bit. You
might want to contact Dan Wilga (GEmail: GRIBNIF) for brochures on the CD
board.  Gribnif is the N.A. distributor for the board.  TKR manufactures them
in Germany but docs and screens are in English.

A few of the more important features (from their newsletter):
  * 2 versions - 256 or 32,768 colors, both having 256 gray levels
  * Megabus and VME (TT/MSTe) versions.  Megabus has "pass-thru".
  * Drive any multisync up to 1664x1220 in mono,4, & 16 color modes;
    Up to 1280x800 in 256 color mode; 1200x800 in TrueColor mode
  * Custom drivers included for most analog monitors, including
    SM124.  Driver creation software included for other monitors.
  * Hardware "panning" of larger virtual screen
  * Tseng ET-4000 graphics chip set w/ video ram for fast redraws
  * DA included for custom color pallettes and color/grayscale
    switching on the fly.
  * Res switching at bootup in auto config program.  Remembers
    last picked rez for config panel bypass.
  * Standard HI Dens. VGA output connector
  * Expansion connectors for future features. (24 bit color)
  * Easy install: no dissasembly req. for the VME version.

A few caveats comes to mind.  With CD, you will not see any of your normal
boot sequence until the driver loads.  See fix below. CodeHead's Warp9 doesn't
work with CD in the color modes, although UISIII works in mono modes (I
haven't tested Warp 9 myself).  Just about everything else I own will run
except WordwriterST, Touch-up (everything works except "Lightning" mode) and
most commercial games.

I like mine - a lot.  I use it with a inexpensive VGA switchbox to choose
between CD and "normal" TT output.  I Keep it switched to "TT" during bootup,
then switch to "CD" for running.   The switch, along with Gribnif's XBOOT3 to
choose resolutions and configuration setups at bootup have spoiled me.  For
example, I have several different rez "sets" that load in the appropriate
NEWDESK.INF and Calamus SL .SET files automatically for each resolution/color
mode.

The boards are not inexpensive, but if you are going to do a lot of DTP, or
color graphics work (Photo CD?) they may be worth considering. SL is much
easier to deal with at 800x600 or better, and Gemview does wonders for 256
color GIFs :-)   Text scrolling is a little slower and "jumpy" in color at
high rezs, but in mono modes it really flies.

System: TT with 4/16 megs (GESoft), Quantum 105, NEC 4fg 15" multi.

Doug7

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 75        Tue Feb 09, 1993
K.SPRINGER1 [FROZEN NORTH]   at 23:02 EST

Doug Walter - Thanks for the extensive message.  It will be on file for future
reference, since I have gone and spent $ used TT system, with Atari monitor,
for insanely low price.  Got all software to, including Calligrapher 2.  Owner
did have Calamus SL, don't know if he got it sold separately or not.  If not,
I'll have an extra copy to sell to offset cost.

Ken
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 76        Thu Feb 11, 1993
D.WALTER7 [Doug Walter]      at 01:26 EST

Ken,

Congratulations on your new baby ;-)

Check out the February '93 Current Notes magazine for Dave Troy's excellent
article on high resolution video options.  Nicely done, and includes some more
info on the CD and Matrix cards.

Also, David Barkin has a good piece on scanning and scanners.

Doug7
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 77        Fri Feb 12, 1993
K.SPRINGER1 [FROZEN NORTH]   at 00:39 EST

Doug7

Thanks for the info.  The system came with Atari's monitor, and have already
decided that I don't like screen display of WYSIWYG in Calligrapher when
compared to my SM124.  Will have to check into mono monitor or color board
after adding the TT RAM to the system.

Ken
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 78        Fri Feb 12, 1993
K.SPRINGER1 [FROZEN NORTH]   at 21:33 EST

Well, I have read the manuals for the "new to me" TT I now have.  No mention
of the actual resolution is mentioned in the PTC1426 manuals. So, what
resolutions will this monitor display?

Ken
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 79        Sat Feb 13, 1993
REALM [Joey]                 at 02:22 EST

  Ken,  I've forced it into 768x528 with the Matrxi Card.:-)  It flickers
slightly but it does it.  I wouldn't recommend using it very long like that
though.
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 80        Sun Feb 14, 1993
O.HANSON                     at 21:13 EST

After several weeks of testing monitors for the TT030, I have concluded that
all VGA and SVGA monitors have the offset screen.  Atari confirms this problem
and has no solution except to buy their 14" monitor.  I have found one monitor
which has sufficient screen sizing to allow centering of the Atari screen, it
is the Magnavox CM9217 17" unit.  I seems to be an excellent choice.  I tried
5 other brands with poor results.  Atari should come up witha fix for this
problem.  I understand the Atari 14" monitor is no longer available according
to suppliers such as Toad.
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 81        Tue Feb 16, 1993
K.SCHAFER4 [Necromancer]     at 21:52 EST

O.HANSON,

A lot of times you need to didle with the pots inside of the monitor in order
to get a properly oriented screen.  The control knobs on the outside are
really just fine adjustments, the coarse ones are located inside on the PCB of
the monitor.

I don't recommend you try and adjust them yourself, to quote Jay Craswell "You
need to adjust the pots inside your monitor, but I'm not going to tell you
how, because dead customers don't buy anything!"

Seriously, there is a *LOT* of voltage inside a monitor, but if you trundle it
down to your local TV/Stereo repair-o-place, I'm sure that they will be more
than able to help you out, and it you are feeling brave, look for pots labeled
v-size, h-size, v-phase, and h-phase (there may be variations on this theme,
such as vert-size and h-pos, etc...)

If you do try it yourself, I can't be held responsible if you fry yourself!!!

Good Luck!

Ken @ NecroWare Development

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 82        Fri Feb 19, 1993
K.SPRINGER1 [FROZEN NORTH]   at 21:33 EST

Basic simpleton questions

The used TT system I bought included the PTC 1426 monitor.  I am spoiled by
the sharp resolution of my SM 124 monitor, which will be going away. :-(

If I installed one of the various video card, Crazy Dots, AlberTT, etc., will
I get better resolution in color similar to the 124, or do I just get more
info on the screen?  Kind of like using the condensed display of LDW Power?

What about the resolution of the SM 147?  How does it compare to the 124?

Is there something similar to Monitor Master (monitor swap switch) for the TT
line?

How is the sharpness of the display of the Atari TTM 2 page display, or other
2 page monitors?

Ken S.
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 83        Fri Feb 19, 1993
EXPLORER.1 [] Ron []         at 22:56 EST

Ken,

  The Atari TTM195 two page display is every bit as sharp as the SM124.  You
just end up with four times the screen to work with. Very highly recommended
for DTP or CAD work.

              Ron @ Atari Explorer Magazine

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 84        Fri Feb 19, 1993
REALM [Joey]                 at 23:07 EST

    Ken,  The 19" we just got about a month ago looks about the same as the
SM124.  They've really crisped it up since the first model. They changed it
for the better somewhere along the line.

    Theres two problems with the PTC1426.  It's color and it's a larger area.
Possible a monitor with a higher Dot pitch will fix your problem.  A graphics
card doesn't help any.
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 85        Sat Feb 20, 1993
J.ALLEN27 [FAST TECH]        at 02:05 EST

The niceness of the SM124 comes from the fact it is a tight dot-pitch monitor,
if you get a color monitor, it should have .26mm dot pitch and nothing higher!
The 124 is actually .24, one mighty nice little monitor for it's price.
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 86        Sat Feb 20, 1993
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 03:46 EST

Ken,

The TT color monitor has a wide dot pitch, and will not show any better
resolution with a card installed. You'd need a fancy multisync.

Al

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 87        Sat Feb 20, 1993
K.SPRINGER1 [FROZEN NORTH]   at 13:42 EST

To all,

Thanks for the info.  Am I correct, then, that a color card essentially gives
you more colors and more info on the screen, but not necessarily a sharper
image any of the normal Atari resolution modes?

I really like area where I live, but other factors are forcing me to consider
relocating, and I would really like to put this overpriced hobby of mine to
work.  Getting info is really a lot of work.  I really want everyone who has
taken the time to answer my queries here and other topics to know I appreciate
it.

Now if I could only figure out a way to see some of these better monitors, it
would be great!

Ken S.
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 88        Sat Feb 20, 1993
D.WALTER7 [Doug Walter]      at 23:39 EST

Ken,

Sort of off-topic, but if you plan to do much with Calamus SL, you need one of
the monochrome 'options'.  Either get yourself the TTM195 or a good multisynch
with one of the graphics boards.

For viewing at printer 1:1 (absolutely necessary for work destined for Lino
output), it requires a mono mode to see the actual K (black) rasters in SL.
The color modes only approximate the K rasters and do not give you an accurate
representation of the _actual_ raster pattern.

You could of course, use the ST high mode with your existing monitor, but it's
gonna be pretty small, and not very accurate.  Read:  very time consuming and
hard on the eyes.

Doug7
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 89        Sun Feb 21, 1993
K.SPRINGER1 [FROZEN NORTH]   at 12:24 EST

H'lo again, Doug,

Well, I'm leaning towards the mono right now, because I really like the
sharpness of my 124.  Thing is, among my ideas for turning this silicon based
hobby into a life support system is one that requires a color monitor.  No one
has, as yet, answered my query as to whether there is a TT version of a
monitor switch similar to Monitor Master and its ilk for the ST line.

Ever since seeing a full page monitor on a NeXT, I have realized the value of
seeing the entire page at one time.  Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I am
coming to the conclusion that this is impossible on a color monitor.

I guess it's true, there is no utopia. :-)

Ken S.
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 90        Sun Feb 21, 1993
REALM [Joey]                 at 17:04 EST

    Ken, Nothings impossible if you have enough cash.:-)  All you needs a
graphic card and a 1280x960 color monitor.  You can get a Toshiba 17" that
will do 1280x960 non interlaced for around $1295. Then you can pick up any
graphics card that supports 1280x960 with 1bit plane.  The cards range
anywhere from $500 to $3000 depending on what you get.   It's definitely
possible you just need the fundage.:-)

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 91        Sun Feb 21, 1993
S.WINICK                     at 18:55 EST

Ken,

Any standard VGA monitor switch box will work just fine with the TT030 if
you're using two monitors.  We have one on our DTP/CADD demo system and sell
them all the time to customers with similar requirements.  You will need a 15-
pin monitor extension cable, but you MUST get one with all pins wired.  Most
standard VGA extension cables do not have all pins wired.  If you have trouble
finding these things drop me E-mail; we keep them in stock.

Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC)
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 92        Sun Feb 21, 1993
D.WALTER7 [Doug Walter]      at 23:14 EST

Ken - as Jim and Sheldon said... Yes!

17" or greater color mons are coming down in price fast.  If you get a grafix
card, you have ALL bases covered because you can do color AND 1 bit (mono) at
resolutions as high as the monitor will drive. I use my 15" in both 256 color
and mono at 1024x768.  The mono is everybit as clear as my 4 year old SM124.

You may have gotten confused in an earlier message about what you get at the
higher rezs.  Mono at that rez is NOT like ST hi expanded to fill the screen.
For instance, you will have to reconfigure your desktop because the existing
windows won't fill up enough of the screen :-)  Notice the difference in menu
sizes between ST low and TT medium, and then _double_ that for 1024x768.

BTW, If you get a multisynch, the card does the resolution switching for you
at boot up.

Do you ever see Computer Shopper, PC Sources, or the like up there?

Doug7



 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 93        Mon Feb 22, 1993
K.SPRINGER1 [FROZEN NORTH]   at 02:10 EST

Doug7

I'm beginning to think that I will just have to figure a way to actually _see_
one of these things in action.  Might have to go to Sunnyvale to do that.
(Maybe I could kick some b--t in the marketing department!)  As good a store
as Far North Computers in Fairbanks is, the sophitication we are talking about
is above the marketplace there, so Frank doesn't carry anything like this on
display in the store.

HMMM! Let pose a hypothetical situation.  I have seen the mono full page
display for a NeXT.  Believe it or not, there is one of those here.  Let's
also say I have stolen your 15" multisync (I assume it is multisync) and am
running in mono mode.  Would what I see on your monitor approximate what I see
on the NeXT monitor?

To put it another way, I have played with the MonSTer screen emulator.  When I
boot up Word Up and display the document, I can see and entire 8 1/2 by 11
page at once.  Would I see amount of the page on your monitor in mono mode,
and would it be as readable as the same document on the 124?

Think I just may have to talk to Capt. Kirk and Scotty about beaming me around
so I can see these things. <G>

Ken S.
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 94        Mon Feb 22, 1993
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 06:55 EST

Ken,

The problem with finding a TT monitor switcher is that all you need is a VGA
monitor switchbox, not something made just for the TT. I saw some at a recent
fair for $13. The probably sell for $20 to $30 usually.

Al

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 95        Mon Feb 22, 1993
SANDY.W [sysop]              at 10:55 EST

Finding a monitor switch box was easy (although more expensive). Finding a
cable for the box to the TT has been harder. So far all the cables I have
found (15 pin high density) are missing one pin, and it seems to be the pin
that tells the TT to switch to high resolution.
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 96        Mon Feb 22, 1993
S.WINICK                     at 19:22 EST

Sandy,


A standard VGA monitor extension cable does NOT have all 15 pins wired
through.  But fully wired 15-pin cables ARE available.  We keep them in stock
for our TT030 customers.  Guess you just have to look a little harder to find
them though.

Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC)
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 97        Tue Feb 23, 1993
D.WALTER7 [Doug Walter]      at 01:37 EST

Ken,

Sure, beam on down here to Minnesota - but bring warmer clothes :-)

Unfortunately, I haven't paid much attention to the NeXT desktop, and I have
neither MonSTer nor Word Up.  Gribnif has my card at the moment so I'm working
off of short-term memory until I get it back (any day now - right Dan?)  As
soon as I do, I will capture some 800x600 and 1024x768 screen shot .IMGs for
you.  In the meantime...

You see porportianally more screen as the rez goes up.  An image that fills
the screen at 640x480  will fill about 75% of the screen at 800x600 and only
about half the screen at 1024x768.

For a real-world example, notice the Calamus SL desktop with a document set at
"view full page".  At 400 dpi vert rez (ST hi), the DMC logo box and the
document touch the bottom of the screen.  At 800x600 (SVGA) the DMC logo is
about 3 quarters of the way down the page yet the "full page" has expanded to
touch the bottom of the screen.  At 1024x768 (XVGA) the logo box is less than
halfway down the screen and the page has enlarged even more to still touch the
bottom of the screen.  Even though you are viewing the "full page" in every
case, you have that much more screen to view it in, so the details get larger
and easier to read. (Still with me?  I'm not much of a teacher ;-)

Theoretically, if you get a large enough monitor and enough resolution, "View
full page" and "View actual size" would be the same. Conversely, as the rez
goes up, the icon and tool sizes go down.  On my 15" monitor, the icons are
REALLY TINY at 1280x9xx.  Thats why the TTM195 is so large :-)

Phew! Now -I'm- confused...


Al & Sandy,

If you can't find a true VGA switch locally, try the Computer Shopper.  I
bought my plain-jane VGA switchbox without the unecessary keyboard switching
for $29, from Cables-To-Go in Ohio.  The 6' VGA cables were $5 each and
although only 14 pins are wired, they work on the TT just fine.


Doug7


 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 98        Tue Feb 23, 1993
K.SPRINGER1 [FROZEN NORTH]   at 23:11 EST

Doug7

What do you mean, warmer clothes?  Had any -64 temps there lately. We had
about a week of -60 temps here this winter.

I'll appreciated the screen shots, and I think I understand what your saying.
REALM and I have been emailing back and forth, so have been "gittin' edified".
I'm beginning to suspect that, for my uses, I will be disappointed in what I
see in color compared to what I would seen in mono in the same sized monitor.
At this point in time, I do not do anything in color.  Don't even play games.

I only have one idea in my brain at the moment that would require color.
Check business prgs. cat, topic "Is there a prg that?" if your curious.

I'll be looking forward to the screen shots.

Ken S.
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 99        Wed Feb 24, 1993
D.WALTER7 [Doug Walter]      at 00:16 EST

Ken,

ONLY -64???  Why, when I was a kid, I had to walk 42 miles to school (uphill,
both ways) every day, in weather colder than that - barefoot too.   Well,
maybe it was my father who used to tell _me_ that  :-)

OK - I'll send 'em as soon as I can.  BTW, Joey can probably explain the
"phenomena de rezolution" 100x better than I can.  You got it covered :-)

Sounds like quite a project!  I makes my monies updating maintenance and
operation manuals.  It's a potentially good market, cuz most OEM supplied docs
are AWFUL, no matter what the equipment or subject.

Doug7
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 100       Wed Feb 24, 1993
D.D.MARTIN [Swampy]          at 18:59 EST

Sheldon

Is it possible to run one VGA monitor for use by both a TT and a 386? Sure
would clear up desk space if/when I decide to get a TT.  %^)

Hugs...Swampy
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 101       Wed Feb 24, 1993
S.WINICK                     at 21:56 EST

Swampy,

You should be able to use a monitor switch box to switch between the  two
computers and one monitor.  However, since the TT and the 386 require
different adjustments of the monitor, you'll either have to readjust the
picture for each system or use a multisync monitor that can be programmed with
different adjustments for each computer system.

Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC)
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 102       Wed Feb 24, 1993
EXPLORER.1 [] Ron []         at 23:21 EST

Swampy,

  I'm using a VGA switch to connect a color monitor between a TT and a Falcon
now and suspect there would be no problem doing the same with a PC.

                Ron @ Atari Explorer Magazine

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 103       Thu Feb 25, 1993
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 03:42 EST

D.D.,

Yes, you can use the same monitor on a TT and a PC. I've done it with a
switchbox. It helps if the monitor has autosizing, since the signal that is
sent in each case will be different.

Al

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 104       Thu Feb 25, 1993
J.DERNAR                     at 21:56 EST

It was stated that the SM124 has a .24 dot pitch. What does the TT-19 monitor
have?
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 105       Thu Feb 25, 1993
D.D.MARTIN [Swampy]          at 23:06 EST

SHELDON --

Gee, I guess I'd have to see such a system up and running to decide how much
of a hassle it would be to run a VGA with both a TT and a 386.  I currently
run my MSTE and the 386 with switch boxes for both the dotmatrix and Laser
printers.  That's not a big hassle except when I forget to switch them over :(

AL F.-

What brand monitor are you running?  Autosizing?  ARRGH another term to
remember... %^)

Hugs...Swampy

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 106       Fri Feb 26, 1993
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 19:48 EST

D.D.,

An ADI MicroScan 4A, 15-inch, list $860 or so, normal discount $570; I paid
$430. Flat screen and gorgeous color. PC Mag did a monitor test this issue and
rated the next model down one of the Editors' Choices.

Al

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 107       Fri Feb 26, 1993
D.D.MARTIN [Swampy]          at 21:43 EST

AL --

Wow.. heavy bucks, but it sounds like a heck of a monitor.  I've made note of
your message 106 so I can remember to look at one next time I'm in the big
city.

Hugs...Swampy
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 108       Fri Feb 26, 1993
EXPLORER.1 [] Ron []         at 23:00 EST

Swampy,

  An "autosizing" monitor remembers all your screen settings (centering,
width, etc.) and automaticaly resets them based on the horizontal frequency
(?) coming in.  So if you switch from your ST to PC, the monitor detects the
change and resets everything for you. Sometimes they call them microprocessor
controlled monitors.

            Ron @ Atari Explorer Magazine

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 109       Sun Feb 28, 1993
D.D.MARTIN [Swampy]          at 09:55 EST

RON -

An "autosizing" monitor sounds like the way to go.  Any problem with a VGA
monitor and Spectre/GCR on a TT?

Hugs...Swampy
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 110       Sun Feb 28, 1993
EXPLORER.1 [] Ron []         at 20:59 EST

Swampy,

  The Nec 3D here is perfectly happy in ST monochrome running Spectre/GCR on
the MSTe.  Haven't tried GCR on the TT yet but I see no reason it would not
work.

                Ron @ Atari Explorer Magazine



 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 111       Sat Mar 13, 1993
J.LEBLANC3 [Jeff]            at 09:03 EST

I have a Nec 3D, TT030, and Spectre GCR.  It works great.

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 112       Sat Mar 13, 1993
J.DERNAR                     at 22:05 EST

Jeff, what resolution is the monitor running at in TT mode? Could you have
also run the 17" NEC monitors also? How does the color compare to similar
monitors on pee-cee's? Thanks..
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 113       Mon Mar 15, 1993
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 03:47 EST

J. Dernar,

The newer NEC monitors, like nearly all other new multisyncs, will not show a
full TT medium-res screen. The 3D will. The problem is the screen width, not
height.

Al

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 114       Fri Mar 19, 1993
D.HARRIS8                    at 18:55 EST

 Am I perceiving things right that one of video cards will allow a 14" or
 17" monitor to be used and it will use the WHOLE screen for display? The
 monitor display from my TT is pretty disappointing.
 Don
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 115       Fri Mar 19, 1993
S.WINICK                     at 19:44 EST

Don,

You should be able to use a 14" or 17" monitor without a VME graphics card if
you don't need a higher resolution that the normal TT030 graphics modes.  Some
monitors will adjust to the TT's video output better than others.  If there's
not enough adjustment on the external controls, its possible for a service
technician to go inside and make some additional adjustments with the pots on
the circuit board.

Take the monitor back to your dealer and ask him to adjust it properly for
your system.  The main thing to look for is proper proportions of the display.
i.e. Is a circle truly round.

Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC)
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 116       Tue Mar 23, 1993
D.HARRIS8                    at 06:14 EST

 Sheldon, the "circle truly round" criteria is one thing I'm hoping to
 achieve. I sometimes use Calamus (and ALWAYS Outline Art) in ST High
 because TT Med gives me "Taller than Wide". Of course, I then have to
 put up with the same small screen as my SM124, so what has been gained?
 I'd give my left foot for a 19" hirez mono monitor! In fact, I'd give
 my right arm to be ambidexterous, but that's another story...
 8^)
 Don
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 117       Wed Mar 24, 1993
S.WINICK                     at 08:52 EST

Don,

Some monitors simply do not have enough horizontal adjustment to work properly
with the TT030.  Some may also need to be 'tweeked' a little with the internal
adjustments before doing the final adjustment with the external controls.  If
you can't get a ROUND circle on the screen, then the monitor you have should
be returned to the dealer you bought it from for proper adjustment or
exchange.  I can't imagine trying to do DTP work on a misadjusted monitor.

Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC)
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 118       Wed Mar 24, 1993
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 19:47 EST

Sheldon,

I haven't seen a S-VGA monitor that DID have enough horizontal adjustment for
the TT. Have you? My experience has not shown that any of the non-Atari models
can sync the horizontal rate slow enough, at least among the new models.

Al

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 119       Wed Mar 24, 1993
S.WINICK                     at 22:55 EST

Al,

We've had good luck with the Magnavox CM9089.  It works very well with the
TT030 once it is properly adjusted.  Unfortunately, that proper adjustment
requires internal adjustment of the pots on the mother board as well as
adjustment of the external controls in order to get a picture of proper
proportions.  WARNING: Internal  adjustments should only be done by a
qualified dealer or service technician -- NEVER remove the monitor case unless
you are qualified to do so -- there is very high voltage inside that can cause
serious injury -- even when the monitor is turned off!!

We've been using the Magnavox ourselves for quite some time, and have many
customers who are also very satisfied with that monitor's  performance.

Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC)
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 120       Wed Mar 24, 1993
D.WALTER7 [Doug Walter]      at 23:57 EST

Don,

As Sheldon said, ratio adjustment IS critical.  On the up-side, many of the
better multisynch monitors now have digital synch and sizing controls that
handle this automatically.

In other words, when changing resolutions (or CPUs), the monitor automatically
adjusts size and ratio to either a preset industry standard (VGA, SVGA, etc.),
or user defined settings retained in memory (TT med, 1024x768, etc).
Typically these newer monitors have digital set-and-forget adjustments up
front.  All are straight plug-n-play with the TT's standard HD15 pin VGA
connector.

Check out the US FLEX ad in any Computer Shopper mag for typical specs and
prices.  Coincidentally, a number of the PC and Mac mags ran comprehensive
monitor comparisons in the last 2 months.

My NEC 4fg handles this extremely well, and I frequently jump between
resolutions from as low as ST Hi to 1024x768 (with a graphics card).

As far as TT med output not filling the screen horizontally, I have tried 3
different brands of monitor, and all do the same.  Must be something inherant
with the TT.

Doug7

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 121       Fri Mar 26, 1993
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 03:43 EST

Thanks, Sheldon. Maybe I should see if my Sony can be adjusted.

Al

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 122       Fri Mar 26, 1993
S.WINICK                     at 06:22 EST

Al,

If you don't have enough adjustment available on the external controls, a
qualified technician may be able to do the necessary monitor  adjustments
using the internal pots.  In any event, I can't imagine trying to do DTP or
graphics work on a mis-adjusted monitor.  Arghhhh!

Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC)
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 123       Sat Mar 27, 1993
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 19:03 EST

Shedlon,

I'm not sure if it's a monitor adjustment or the horizontal scan rate that's
the problem with TTs and VGA or SVGA monitors. Atari built the TT to be
compatible with the ST, so it included the ST low-, med- and high-res modes
into the TT's video system. Without a complete redesign (as Atari did later
with the Falcon), I can't see how Atari could have achieved this compatibility
without making the TT's hotizontal scan rate the same as the ST's (about
15kHz). This means that no VGA monitor that will not work properly with an ST
signal will work properly with a TT signal, at least in the matter of the
screen width. My MicroScan 15-inch monitor is typical of a modern, high-
quality Super VGA display system, and it does all the auto-sizing and auto-
synching needed for proper display, in addition to providing manual tweaking.
But all the TT modes except TT High fill only 80 percent of the width of the
display. Height is no problem, but the width cannot be made greater than about
80 percent.

In light of the monitor's design, I doubt that it can be adjusted internally
for a lower horizontal rate, but if someone can tell me that it's possible,
I'll see what I can get done at one of the local tech shops.

Al


 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 124       Sat Mar 27, 1993
S.WINICK                     at 20:03 EST

Al,

If your monitor is filling about 80% of the horizontal width of the screen,
that's about typical.  That is perfectly acceptable as long as the vertical
size is also adjustable so the proportions on the screen are true (i.e. a
circle is ROUND).

Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC)
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 125       Sun Mar 28, 1993
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 01:40 EST

Yes, Sheldon, the vertical size is easily adjusted.

When I need to do anything that requires true proportions, I hit a pre-
programmed button on the ADI. Otherwise, I use a tall screen. Makes your
messages stand out tall and true! (Whew! Do I get a big discount the next time
I buy something from Computer Studio?)

Al

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 126       Thu Apr 01, 1993
K.SCHAFER4 [Necromancer]     at 18:46 EST

Al,

 The TT does the ST modes by "double scanning" the ST screen.  Each ST video
line is sent out twice (the monitor runs at 31khz instead of 15.5).  A service
tech should be able to adjust the monitor for a larger picture.  I had to
adjust my brand-new-fresh-out-of-the-box Mag 15" flat screen with the internal
pots, but my AlberTT card has a beautiful edfe to edge picture (and round
circles to boot!)

_Ken @ NecroWare Development_

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 127       Fri Apr 02, 1993
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 17:38 EST

Thanks, Ken. I didn't know that. I'll just have to see if I get my ADI
adjusted for the TT's screen width. The picture is stunning.

Al

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 128       Sat Apr 10, 1993
L.TRAPANI [Lou][Machine]     at 03:21 EDT


        I know that I coming in late here, but I wanted to point out what
Sheldon had mentioned. So far I am happy with the Magnavox CM9089 for the
TT030. I was lucky to have a dealer that made sure that all the proportions
were correct. Yes, a circle is a circle (thanks Sheldon). Also, I must add
that even the outside casing of the Magnavox seems to compliment the TT very
well. It almost seems to be have been designed to be put on top of a TT
<grin>.


                                                --Lou T.--

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 129       Sun Apr 11, 1993
G.FUHRMAN [gnox]             at 04:55 EDT

Hello out there in monitor-land ... I need some advice.

My TTM195, the only monitor I've ever used with my 2-year-old TT, just quit on
me.  I think I can get it fixed by sending it to Toronto (quite a ways from
here) but I shudder to think of the shipping cost (the thing weighs a ton) and
in the meantime I'm TT-less - this message brought to you by a Mega 4.

I would have loved to plug the old SM125 into the TT, but I'm told this can't
be done nohow.

I've been thinking of getting a color monitor for some time (I've never owned
one), and I'd love to get one that could be used with either the TT or the
Mega, but I have the impression that can't be done without putting some major
$$ into the Mega.

So the quickest way to get use of the TT back is to pick up a VGA monitor,
which I can do locally in a few days, and plug it right into the TT.  (If I'm
wrong about this or any of the above, please straighten me out!)

The nearest place has a 14" Super VGA 1024x768 non-interlaced for $420 Cdn.
I'm wondering whether this would be adequate for (a) black & white DTP work
with PageStream, (b) color DTP or other work if I ever get interested in it
(I'm not now), and (c) whatever games my teenage kids might get into - they'd
have to run on the TT I guess, and I know nothing about games (we don't own
any but color might be an incentive.)

Any help appreciated (I have not been following this Topic) - thanks and may
the Easter bunny bless your bytes!

  gnox


 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 131       Sun Apr 11, 1993
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 12:19 EDT

Gnox,

A good VGA monitor (you don't need S-VGA) works fine with the TT, with the
following, single, sole, annoying problem: The picture will be off-center and
smaller than the screen size.

If you get a good multi-sync, you'll probably also get a built-in digital-
memory circuit that will let you adjust the TT's display for maximum width and
height. This will be put into non-volatile RAM (in the monitor's
microprocessor) and the monitor will always remember this sizing when it is
turned on.

One way around this annoyance is to buy a larger-than-usual monitor, making
the actual display larger than it would be with a smaller monitor even if it
filled the entire area. I use a 15-inch ADI for that reason.

Your Mega can use a multi-sync with just a switchbox -- but only if the
monitor has a horizontal rate that goes down to approx. 15 kHz. Most don't. In
fact, nearly all new monitors don't.

BTW, with two SM124s, one SC1225 (by JVC), a Sony m-sync and the ADI, I have
had a pretty good chance to compare the screen quality. The ADI is actually
sharper than either of the two SM124s when I put the TT into ST High mode,
although the refresh rate is lower on the TT than the ST, and so there is a
slight advantage to the ST's monochrome monitor in the clarity of the overall
image.

Al

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 132       Sun Apr 11, 1993
M.WILKENS                    at 16:28 EDT

Does anybody know the horizontal and vertical sweep rates that the TT outputs
in TT hi-res?  I heard somewhere that the vertical freq. was something like 71
Hz, which would mean a pretty high horizontal freq. (over 64 kHz?).  I am
aware that the TT outputs the TT hi-res signsignal over special wires in ECL,
but is the timing the same as the R,G,B signals on a multisync?  Also, what
does the TT want on the mono. detect line, in order for it to output TT hi-
res? I presume hi-Z means "output RGB", because hi-Z (no connection) is what
it's getting now.  Thanks for any help,

Mike
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 133       Sun Apr 11, 1993
L.TRAPANI [Lou][Machine]     at 23:43 EDT

        As for the "off-center" problem with a color monitor on the TT. I
would recommend the Magnavox CM9089. That is the one I am using and the
picture is pretty much centered (you would have to look very closely to see
that it may not). I got it from Computer STudio, I am sure they must have more
(plus they can adjust to to best fit your TT for DTP work).

                                                --Lou T.--
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 134       Mon Apr 12, 1993
G.FUHRMAN [gnox]             at 06:24 EDT

Thanks Al - very helpful information!

  gnox

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 135       Tue Apr 13, 1993
G.ANDERSON                   at 19:23 EDT

The Magnavox is a very ncie monitor, but it DOES require some dealer-tech
level adjustment to ensure a correct aspect ration (round circles, boxes with
identical sides, etc).  oops.... make that ratio, not ration <grin>.

Sheldon or Cliff make the adjustments before they ship any TT-Color monitors
out...  just part of the service <grin>.

Gregg (who would still love to see a 'one monitor fits all resolutionas'
(oops, lazy fingers tonight) system for our TT's)
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 136       Sat Apr 17, 1993
AEO.7 [Gregg]                at 10:17 EDT

By the way, the vertical refresh on the TT mono monitor is a hair over 71Khz
and the horizontal sweep is a nudge over 71Hz...  If you need the exact
numbers let me know and I'll see what I can find for you.  Keep in mind that
the mono monitor is an ECL unit, NOT a standard VGA.  That makes it more power
hungry and a touch expensive but MUCH faster than a standard VGA unit.  I
'suspect' that it was chosen due to the VERY high costs and limited
performance of large VGA screens back when the TT was being planned.

Hopefully the next generation of Atari work station will take advantage of the
drop on high-end monitor prices and the increase in the quality of VGA
displays.

Again, keep in mind that not all VGA monitors will give the correct display on
a TT (in ST-compatible and/or TT color modes).  Multiscans have the best
likelyhood of giving a good display and allowing enough adjustment to get a
correct aspect ratio (where circles are round on both screen and printer).
The Magnavox has to be adjusted before working right on a TT, but once
adjusted it works perfectly.

Gregg
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 137       Sat Apr 17, 1993
M.WILKENS                    at 16:17 EDT

Gregg: Thanks for the info about TT-hi.  (I presume you were responding to my
post.)  I won't need the exact numbers; I wanted to know if the ViewSonic 7 I
use can handle the bandwith necessary for TT-high, assuming I can convert the
signal.  It can't: its limit is 64 kHz horizontal, so a 1280x960 display would
have to  refresh at 60 Hz (or less) to work on this monitor.

By the way, the ViewSonic 7, a 17-inch multisync, has good adjustment controls
up front.  It can't fill the whole screen with useful signal; the TT is
outputting something extra on either side of the "proper" picture, as has been
observed before in this topic.

Atari's hi-res monitor for the TT is still barely cost-effective over hi-res
multisyncs that can handle the same bandwith, assuming monochrome is all you
want.  (Nobody seems to, though.)

Mike
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 138       Sun Apr 18, 1993
AEO.7 [Gregg]                at 09:56 EDT

Mike, again keep in mind WHEN the TT was being designed.  back then the faster
circuitry the TT's monochrome monitor offered was more cost effective than
staying with standard VGA.  The current super VGA monitors are the result of
competition within the DOS world, folks bending over backwards to improve a
somewhat archaic display system and actualy ending up with something pretty
impressive.

Due to the different signal used in TT high it is IMPOSSIBLE to use any VGA
monitor to display 1280 X 960 with the built-in video system.  However, there
are the Crazy Dots/Cyrex/Matrix/AlberTT/Leonardo boards that WILL give you
access to high res modes with colors AND use the better large-screen VGA
monitors.

Check out the Mag, AEO, and ViewSonic 17 models for large screen, wide-range
flexibility monitors.  I can't swear that they'll work perfectly in TT color
mode (keep in mind the TT's slightly non-standard horizontal pulse width) but
they should handle the third party graphics boards (be sure to call them and
verify this before ordering anything).

By the way, on the 64Khz horizontal sweep (VSonic 7)...  that is a VGA ONLY
setting....  I'd have to check the unit out but if it is capable of displaying
a 1280 X 1024 NON-INTERLACED signal with a VGA card then it 'should' be able
to display a TT-High screen using a VGA-type card or display system.

64Khz is tight though, 68K would be better and 70K best.  Keep in mind the
TT's current spects are for their unique ECL display system and may NOT
translate into identical VGA numbers.

The rest is up to Atari and our outstanding third party supporters.  With the
availability of affordable (well, almost) high-res VGA monitors that can
duplicate the TT's monochrome mode (with a slightly coarser dot pitch of
course) there seems little reason not to make the next generation Atari
workstation a VGA-Display based unit.   That, however, is just speculation on
my part and a hope for the future.  The answer is up to Atari.  After the
Falcon has taken off they may be able to check this out and drop us some
hints, after all... the Falcon is a VGA display isn't it?

Gregg
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 139       Sun Apr 18, 1993
J.PATTERSON3 [Ted]           at 12:41 EDT

Is it still possible to pick up a Matrix/AlberTT/Leonardo board anywhere?

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 140       Sun Apr 18, 1993
AEO.7 [Gregg]                at 18:19 EDT

I don't know about the Matrix board (it's from Europe) but I'm sure that if
you contact Jay Crashwell or Lexicor they can find you one of Jay's AlberTT or
Leonardo boards.  I 'think' they've got a topic over on Cat 4. Run over and
see if there's anything over there....  I'll be surprised if they're not ove
there waiting to sell you something <Grin>.

Gregg
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 141       Sun Apr 18, 1993
K.SCHAFER4 [Necromancer]     at 18:44 EDT

Gnox,
  I must clarify Al's message.

 The problem lies in the fact that the TT does not output one of the
frequencies that most VGA monitors expect (this isn't entirely true, it is a
VGA freq, just a hair off spec.)  The result is that most VGA monitors show an
off center, smaller than usual picture.  There is a solution!  If you are very
brave, there are controls inside the monitor to adjust the picture's height,
width, etc.  However, I don't recommend you do it yourself.  Pack up your
monitor, and bring it to your nearest TV repair place... Bring the TT too!
They will adjust the size of the monitor's picture to match your TT, and they
can even make sure that circles are circles.  I've done this myself to many
many monitors.  (my 15" mag didn't like my AlberTT card till I adjusted it
internally.... It now works flawlessly with my ST and my 386/40 box.)

Good Luck.

_Ken @ NecroWare Development_

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 142       Sun Apr 18, 1993
M.WILKENS                    at 20:31 EDT

Gregg, Thanks for the info.  I thought that the TT-high signal was different
only in voltage level from what the monitor expects, (that is, emitter-coupled
logic uses lower levels for 0 and 1 that TTL does) but you're saying the
organization of the signal is different.

Are you using "VGA" to refer to a particular frequency of RGB output, or are
you implying, for example, that the Mac uses an entirely different signal
orgnanization than current IBM-compatible VGA/SVGA/etc. cards do?  I
understood that most multisync monitors work with the Mac -- although not as
well as the Mac monitors work with the Mac, and most multisync monitors seem
to have to decide which signal to synchronize on (mine figures this out
automatically, apparently).  Do Macs do things differently?  How many ways are
there to drive an RGB display, do you know?

Mike
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 143       Mon Apr 19, 1993
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 03:30 EDT

Ken Schafer,

Good point. Someone in Atariland could make some money by proving a TT monitor
tuneup service.

Al

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 144       Mon Apr 19, 1993
POTECHIN [Nathan]            at 07:13 EDT

Jay Craswell is the person to contact re: an Albert TT board. I don't think
anyone is currently importing the Matrix boards and there is a new board out
from Cybercube, the Cyrel Sunrise, which is being discussed in Cat 16 in its
own topic.

Nathan @ DMC
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 145       Mon Apr 19, 1993
AEO.7 [Gregg]                at 20:38 EDT

VGA: I guess I was referring to the standard VGA system used by most clones
AND, for the most part, by the newer MAC's as well.  It's more a matter of
frequencies, sweep/scan rates, and band widths.

By the way, I just read over the spects on the new ViewSonic 17" & 20"
monitors.  These sound VERY impressive.... They should be able to handle just
about ANY VGA-type signal we (or anyone else) is liable to produce in the next
year or two...  I'm still waiting for the material from MAG to arrive.

Gregg
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 146       Mon Apr 19, 1993
AEO.5 [Ed Krimen]            at 22:34 EDT

Gregg, the Leonardo board doesn't exist.
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 147       Tue Apr 20, 1993
REALM [Joey]                 at 18:35 EDT

   Ed, it exists, just not where we can get at it.:-)  I've had my eye on the
Cyrel Card it looks incredible.  First I need a decent monitor though...
sheesh... my wish gets longer everyday.:-)
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 148       Tue Apr 20, 1993
J.PATTERSON3 [Ted]           at 22:29 EDT

Thanks Gregg, I'll get ahold of them.

Nathan - Yes, I'm aware of the Cyrel Sunrise.  Unfortunately, I'm not quite
ready to drop $1500 on a video board, even if it's as good as the Sunrise.  My
wife would kill me while I slept, and no jury would convict her.  Actually, an
AlberTT will be kinda risky.

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 149       Wed Apr 21, 1993
L.TRAPANI [Lou][Machine]     at 05:12 EDT

        On the topic of video boards for the TT... is there any text file or
magazine that has done a good comparison between the boards that are
available? When you are talking about a Crazy Dots 15 card for $1000 or a
Cyrel for $1500 and so on, I want to know all the pros and cons of them and
what one has to offer over the others and so on.

        Sadly, I can not afford any of them right now. I can get a Falcon030
4/65 for cheaper than the Cryel card alone. Granted I am sure that the Cryel
card would do better graphics than the Falcon, but with the Falcon you are
getting the whole computer as well with the software. I guess what I am
getting at is that I wished the video cards on the market for the TT were not
so expensive!


                                                --Lou T.--

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 150       Wed Apr 21, 1993
POTECHIN [Nathan]            at 08:43 EDT

Not all cards are as expensive as the Cyrel Sunrise Lou BUT all cards for the
Atari that contain that degree of sophistication, like the 24 bit Matrix card,
do cost even more. You might want to drop by Category 16 and read a few
messages in the Cybercube topic on the Sunrise card. It makes for interesting
reading even if you cannot justify the expense at this time.

Nathan @ DMC
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 151       Wed Apr 21, 1993
AEO.7 [Gregg]                at 21:47 EDT

To the best of my knowledge no one has ever been able to gather ALL the
available TT/VME graphics boards in a single place and put them through their
tests.  In fact, reviews of even single boards have been scarce to non-
existant.  The only one I recall seeing was by Dave Troy in Current Notes back
around February... and though an excellent article it was a touch short on
compatibility, speed, flexibility, and so-on tests of the CrazyDots board he
was talking about.  I strongly suggest anyone looking for more info on
graphics modes and limitations on the TT and MegaSTe check that article out.

Around a year ago I tried to gather some of the graphics boards then being
released or developed so I could do a single 'here they are' review with some
benchmarks and compatibility tests.... For some reason I never heard back from
any of them.

Gregg
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 152       Thu Apr 22, 1993
L.TRAPANI [Lou][Machine]     at 22:31 EDT

Gregg,

        Thanks for the reply. I had read the Feb issue of CN with the Dave
Troy article in back when I first got the mag and found it very interesting.
It is ashame that there has never been a review that compares all the boards
available, thanks for trying though. It would be nice to have true color on
the TT, but I need finish paying off the TT first before I can think of adding
to it, especially with the costs of these boards.


                                                --Lou T.--


 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 153       Sat Apr 24, 1993
AEO.7 [Gregg]                at 19:13 EDT

'Cost of these boards'.... sad but true, quality does sometimes cost an awful
lot <smile>.  I'd love to see a hands on test between the CrazyDots 15 and
this new Cyrex board... and maybe even a Chromax????  Pity WuzTek went bye-bye
before releasing their OmniChrome unit, I was arranging for a test unit when
they stopped answering their phones....  sigh.

Maybe one day someone will be able to get the various companies to send in
their boards to a single person/magazine for a REAL 'road test'.... but I'm
not going to hold my breath <sad smile>.

Gregg
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 154       Sat Apr 24, 1993
POTECHIN [Nathan]            at 21:28 EDT

Gregg ... If you are referring to the new Cyrel board from Cybercube, there is
no comparison. The Cyrel Sunrise is a loaded 24-bit board with all kinds of
enhancements. And it is made in Toronto, not Europe. ;-)

Nathan @ DMC
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 155       Sat Apr 24, 1993
L.TRAPANI [Lou][Machine]     at 23:58 EDT

Nathan,

        I would gather that you feel in your opinion that the new Cyrel board
offers more than the others out there?

                                                --Lou T.--

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Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 156       Sun Apr 25, 1993
AEO.7 [Gregg]                at 21:20 EDT

Nathan.... Toranto???  I'm impressed, here and I though all the really neat
stuff came out of Germany <grin>....  Good work....  now then, I don't suppose
all that flattery will get me a free demo unit will it?  <MASSIVE Grin>

Hopefully I'll be able to see one when I get up to Detriot later this year, or
you can bring one down to demo at Sheldon's BlueRidge AtariFest. (hint, hint)\

I'd still love to see someone do a good one-on-one test of the board still
available for the ST/TT/STe....  From what you say the Cyrex should be worth
the extra $500 over the CrazyDots 15 ..

Gregg
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 157       Mon Apr 26, 1993
POTECHIN [Nathan]            at 06:55 EDT

Cyrel, Greg, Cyrel. ;-) Lou ... Yes. Please download the Press Release from
the library. The list of features is quite  impressive although you may or may
not require all of them which is another story entirely. ;-)

Nathan @ DMC
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 158       Mon Apr 26, 1993
S.KALEITA [SAK]              at 21:42 EDT

Greg,

When and why do you go up to Detroit ?

That's where I was born and raised...I now live need Madison Wisconsin. I
usually go back to Detroit twice a year to visit family.

I will some day make the 4 hour side trip to visit Nathan, I would love to see
a demo of the Cyrel card. It won't ever happen in Wisconsin.

SAK :)
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Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 160       Tue Apr 27, 1993
SANDY.W [sysop]              at 14:47 EDT

I would also love to see the Cyrel card. Maybe some day...
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 161       Tue Apr 27, 1993
AEO.7 [Gregg]                at 20:12 EDT

SAK... my sister & brother in law moved up to Detriot a few years ago. Seems
it was his old stomping ground and he wanted to 'go home again'. So far it
seems to have worked out for them, nice little house, good job, and good
prospects for advancment for him.

Nathan... OK, OK....  so I can't spell worth a hoot, we both already knew that
<grin>..  I'll check out the post in the data library.  Hey, here's an idea.
Have whoever comes down for the BlueRidge Fest bring a Cyrel with them.. We'll
plug it into one of the demo TTs and you can really make me feel bad <BIG
grin>.  Sound possible?

I'll be heading up your way later this Summer to visit my Sister/Brother in
Law and car dealer.  God willing I'll be able to take a day and head up to
your place too.  Since it's a good five hours each way you may want to suggest
a good hotel for me in case we get to talking.....

Gregg
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 162       Wed Apr 28, 1993
POTECHIN [Nathan]            at 12:09 EDT

If one of us does get down to Sheldon's this summer, I promise you that we
will bring a Cyrel card along.

Nathan
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 164       Sat May 15, 1993
L.TRAPANI [Lou][Machine]     at 23:54 EDT

        Did anyone catch the cover of the latest CURRENT NOTES magazine? The
cover of the May '93 issue is sporting a color picture of a TT030 and a
stitching machine. I had not had a chance to read the article yet, but I am
assuming that it is the same type stitching machine that was at the last
COMDEX show that was producing Atari logos on hats. But I wanted to draw
attention to the TT030's monitor here. It has a picture of a NASA Space
Shuttle lifting off, but that is not important. Look at the screen... The
screen resolution (I am assuming is it is TT med rez) is going from edge to
edge. It is almost using the entire 14" screen (I am guessing it is 14")

        Now, I guess there could be reasons for this...

        1) The monitor is not adjusted correctly for the correct aspect ratio.
Thus it may take up most of the screen, but circles are not true circles on
it.

        2) It is using a graphics card (? -- since I do have one yet, I am not
sure if a card would allow you to take advantage of most of your screen
without losing your correct aspect ratio.

        3) This is some sort of amazing monitor that we should all rush out to
buy.

        My guess is number 1. Maybe 2... unless some one has one of these
Manao(?) monitors and can vouch for them.


                                        --Lou T.--

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Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 165       Sun May 16, 1993
K.SPRINGER1 [FROZEN NORTH]   at 13:08 EDT

--Lou T.--

And then again, maybe just some good old "cut and paste" sleight of hand. <G>
And your assumption is correct.  Can't wait to see the article.

Ken S.

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 166       Sun May 16, 1993
L.TRAPANI [Lou][Machine]     at 22:31 EDT

Frozen North,

        Hmmm... It was not a "cut and paste" job because even though the
picture was taking up 99% of the screen, it was still off center just a bit ;-
)


                                                --Lou T.--

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 167       Mon May 17, 1993
D.WALTER7 [Doug Walter]      at 01:26 EDT

Guys, the Nanao's screen on the cover appears to be 800x608 or 1024x768. At
any rate, the article mentions that Datastich modified TTs are equipped with
ISAC cards (giving 1024x768).

On my CDots equipped TT and NEC 4fg combo, ONLY TT medium is off-center.
800x608, and 1024x768 fill the entire screen.

Doug7
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 168       Mon May 17, 1993
K.SPRINGER1 [FROZEN NORTH]   at 23:19 EDT

Data Stitch also modifies the printer port's output capability, i.e.
horsepower, so long cables can be run to the stitchers.

VGA monitors will also work.

Can't wait to see the article.

Ken S.
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 169       Tue May 18, 1993
L.TRAPANI [Lou][Machine]     at 03:16 EDT

Doug Walter,

        Thanks... I did not have a chance to read the article yet (if I didn't
spend so much time here on GEnie, I might ;-) I figured that it may be a
result of using a video card.

        I have been looking at getting a card myself, but they are all pretty
much expensive for me now, the new Nova card sounds interesting and it seems
to be priced slightly better. I will still wait a little before deciding
myself.

                                                --Lou T.--

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Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 170       Sat May 22, 1993
G.FUHRMAN [gnox]             at 07:05 EDT

Anybody out there had a TTM195 fixed lately?  Mine's been in a Toronto repair
shop (waiting for parts, they tell me) for 6 weeks now, and they tell me they
have others in the shop with the same problem.

I'm still having withdrawal symptoms from TT High.  I'm curious whether people
are using other monitors for TT High ...

  gnox

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Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 171       Sat May 22, 1993
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 19:31 EDT

Gnox,

I'd like to know that, too. Or whether someone could devise an adaptor so my
nifty S-VGA monitor could work in TT High...

Al

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Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 172       Sun May 23, 1993
E.WELLS                      at 23:29 EDT

Anyone:

Does anyone out there know of a VGA monitor that has video output? I talked to
someone once who had one, but I've since lost track of him. At least I think
they exist?

E.Wells
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 173       Tue May 25, 1993
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 03:26 EDT

E. Wells,

No, never heard of one. You can buy cards for Macs and PCs that have video
output, though.

Al

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 174       Wed Jun 09, 1993
G.FUHRMAN [gnox]             at 06:27 EDT

Anyone out there have advice on whether it's better to leave a monitor on all
the time rather than turn it off when not in use?  I leave my hard drives on
virtually all the time because I'm convinced it's better for their health, but
I'm not sure whether this would apply to monitors.  I'm also not sure what
would happen if the power went off and back on while the system was on and the
monitor off; would an attempted boot without a monitor cause problems?

I am of course assuming that a screen saver would be used if the monitor's on
all the time.

  gnox

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 175       Wed Jun 09, 1993
D.CHARTER                    at 21:26 EDT

gnox,

 I am not sure if it is better to turn the monitor off or on.  You will get a
lot of answers with justification why theirs is the best way -- but I think it
is users choice.  I personally leave my system on all day, but turn it off at
night.  I do believe it would be harmful to turn it off and on numerous times
every day.  Take your pick!!

You can boot the system without a monitor.  It will not harm the computer at
all.  The computer looks at the wiring to determine the monitor in use...it
does not look for a signal from the monitor.

Duane

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 176       Thu Jun 10, 1993
J.RENNER1 [Jim]              at 01:05 EDT

My rule of thumb is if you are going to be away from the computer for more
than 30 minutes, turn it off. Of course if you are frequently away from the
machine for periods of 45 minutes or so then use your own judgement. The
biggest arguement for turning them off is that it reduces the amount of break-
down the connections in the power supply (where all the BIG juice is) go
through. Turning the machines (be it hard drives, computers or monitors) on
and off more than 3-4 times a day is probably not i good idea, but i wouldn't
leave them on over night, all the time.

Jim.
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 177       Thu Jun 10, 1993
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 07:06 EDT

Gnox,

The monitor does not have to be on for the ST or TT to boot up.

Generally, the rule is something like this: If you use your computer every
day, leave everything on. It will last longer. If you use it only a few times
a week, turn everything on and off.

All our PCs, Unix boxes, Macs and other computers are running around the clock
at the office (probably 350 to 400 of them), and the failure rate is very,
very low. At home, my wife's ST is always running, usually with the mono
monitor hooked up and on, and with an ancient SH-204 HD always spinning (it
has not failed to work properly even once, and has been running since '86). My
TT and its peripherals run all the time, too.

The best screen saver is one that blanks the screen; any other kind, like the
wonderful modules from the CodeHeads, will keep the phosphors from getting
burned in, but won't do anything to ease the load on the monitor (and won't
make it last any longer, since it's still firing away). The SilkMouse screen
saver is my first choice, and it can even be used in tandem with a CodeHead
module, so that you get the sliding puzzles or pyrotechnics while getting a
screen dimming (and, finally, screen blanking) after a while.

As for hard drives, they are made to run constantly. A typical modern HD is
rated for an exceptionally long life, something like three to seven years of
constant use. Because of the bearing design, there is no actual wear while the
drive is spinning.

Al

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 178       Thu Jun 10, 1993
J.TRAUTSCHOL [jtrautschold]  at 21:56 EDT

Gnox...

Using a screen saver will help save the screen from having images "burned"
into the phosphor.  But that's about all they do (which is important - don't
get me wrong).

However, leaving a monitor on all of the time will cause it to wear out much
more quickly than turning it off when not in use.  The main problem is the CRT
itself.  There is material within the gun(s) of the CRT that emit electrons.
The electrons are accelerated and eventually strike the face of the tube
causing the phosphors to light up.  There are only so many electrons available
in this material, and eventually it wears out.  Your CRT may no longer be able
to reproduce colors properly and/or may turn dark and go out of focus.

A screen saver is used to cut off the flow of *most* of the electrons to the
face of the tube, but they *don't* cut off the emission of those electrons
from the special material inside the gun.

My advice would be to turn off the monitor when it's not used, unless the
period of non-use would be a short time (like less than 6 or 8 hours).

FWIW, I've got an SC1224 on my old 1040ST that still looks like new. This
monitor was purchased back around 1986 - it's never been fixed. I know others
who keep their monitors on all of the time, and most of those folks have
replaced their monitors at least once.  I work in television broadcasting as
an engineer - we leave all of our monitors on all of the time.  The CRT's last
about 3 to 4 years.  The color monitors are worth upwards of $10,000, but it
doesn't matter.  When the electrons are depleted from the emitter, the tube is
shot.

                                                John T.
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 179       Fri Jun 11, 1993
L.TRAPANI [Lou][Machine]     at 01:48 EDT

Al,

        Did I understand you message correctly that you leave your TT powered
on 24 hours a day?

        Good point about the screen savers by the way.

                                --Lou T.--
                Written: Friday, June 11, 1993 01:29 a.m. EDT

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 180       Fri Jun 11, 1993
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 07:43 EDT

John,

I think the lifespan should be considerably longer than that, especially when
a screen saver I used. We've had monitors running all the time at the office
for a decade and more, and we haven't had any that ran out of electrons.

Al

Lou,

Yes, the TT is on all the time. It does automated telecomm during the night,
and takes (and sends) faxes during the day. It's been very happy just running
and running.

Al

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 181       Fri Jun 11, 1993
JIM.K [Jim~ST Sysop]         at 11:22 EDT

Al,

Why did I expect to see a furry pink bunny with a drum walking across the
bottom of the screen after reading #180?<G>

 Jim Kudron
 <ST Sysop>
 11Jun93
 11:11:58

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 182       Fri Jun 11, 1993
T.HARPER4 [Robbie]           at 20:54 EDT

So, are there any monitors that can directly replace the Atari 19" mono? I
have access to monitors for Macs and PCs for very low prices, but I  don't
want to buy something that won't work.  I have tried the Moniterm made for the
Mega (I didn't attempt to cut the plug off and hack the  connector) but it
didn't work, even with a string of adapters on the  cable.
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 184       Fri Jun 11, 1993
J.RENNER1 [Jim]              at 23:26 EDT

My rule of thumb is if you are going to be away from the computer for more
than 30 minutes, turn it off. Of course if you are frequently away from the
machine for periods of 45 minutes or so then use your own judgement. The
biggest arguement for turning them off is that it reduces the amount of break-
down the connections in the power supply (where all the BIG juice is) go
through. Turning the machines (be it hard drives, computers or monitors) on
and off more than 3-4 times a day is probably not i good idea, but i wouldn't
leave them on over night, all the time.

Jim.
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 185       Sat Jun 12, 1993
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 03:23 EDT

Robbie,

I'd like to know the same thing. I need more real estate on the screen. Even
my 15-inch color monitor isn't what I need, because no matter how big the
screen, in TT medium you still have 640X480, and I want 1280X960.

I understand Moniterms CAN be used with a TT after some modifications, but I
also have seen tests of the Moniterms that show them to be quite a bit less
sharp than the TT hi-res monitor.

Al

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 186       Sat Jun 12, 1993
L.TRAPANI [Lou][Machine]     at 03:26 EDT

Al,

        It is good to hear that the TT is taking all that "abuse" and is still
going strong.

                                --Lou T.--
                Written: Saturday, June 12, 1993 03:18 a.m. EDT

Jim~ST Sysop,

        Hey! I am glad I was not the only one that saw that pink bunny go
by.... :)


                                --Lou T.--
                Written: Saturday, June 12, 1993 03:19 a.m. EDT

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 187       Sat Jun 12, 1993
G.FUHRMAN [gnox]             at 07:02 EDT

Thanks all, for the advice on whether to leave monitors on.  Some interesting
differences in approach.  I've decided to turn off my TTM195 at the end of the
day but leave it on (with screensaver) when I'm only going to be away from it
for 3 or 5 hours.  By the way, I don't know of any screensaver that will
simply blank the TT High screen, so I generally use the Fortune Cookie EOS
module, which comes close.  (The default EOS module inverts the screen in TT
High.)

By the way, I just got my TTM back after two months of using a borrowed SVGA
monitor, and my eyes gave a visible sigh of relief. :) There's just no
substitute for this TT High combo, apparently.  The sharpness and _speed_ of
this 1280 x 960 display still amazes me after two years of working with it.
Best hardware decision I ever made.

  gnox

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 188       Sat Jun 12, 1993
J.TRAUTSCHOL [jtrautschold]  at 17:51 EDT

Al...

Wow - you must be lucky, or have extremely virile cathodes!  :-)

Most of our profession color monitors (and newsroom CRT terminals) need to
have their CRT's replaced or rejuvinated at about the 4 or 5 year mark.  Then
again, we may be a bit fussier than the average user too, since we demand and
*require* the highest quality possible from our color monitors.  Our business
relies on it!  :-)

Actually, the likelyhood of a cathode totally running out of electrons is slim
to none.  But three things do happen - 1) electrons do end up slowly depleting
themselves over time, 2) "junk" material starts forming over the cathode due
to chemical and electrical reactions which slows the flow of electrons, and 3)
the tubes themselves start to "leak" permitting gasses to form inside (there
should be a pure vacuum in there) which mucks up the flow of the remaining
electrons.

Unless the screen saver has some way to shut off the filament in the tube,
electrons will continue to flow.  Screen savers cause the tube to go into beam
cutoff, which diverts the electrons being emitted into the electron gun's
version of a bit bucket!  :-)

                                                John T.
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 189       Sun Jun 13, 1993
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 11:36 EDT

Gnow,

Blanking a monmo screen involves a bit of hocus-pocus.

Al

Thanks, John. I *do* have virile cathodes!

Al

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Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 190       Sat Jun 19, 1993
J.FOUCH [JIM FOUCH]          at 23:01 EDT

Anyone know is you can use a standard Moniterm monitor with a stock TT030?

I read in Current Notes some months back you could. Then a reader wrote in and
said that you could, and he had a friend who was.

Thanks,

Jim Fouch Erie, PA
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 191       Sun Jun 20, 1993
J.SPANDE [John Spande]       at 15:31 EDT

I find the idea of leaving computer equipment on continually to prolong it's
life rather like believing in the fountain of youth, it's appealing to think
so simple a solution exists but is misguided. What is completely overlooked is
that computer equipment is far more *vulnerable* when it is on than when it is
off. I believe most failures are caused by external events, especially from
power line glitches such as surges and outages, not to mention lightning. I'd
love to play poker with someones whose sense of probability is so poor that he
would expose his system to, say, 6 times the vulnerabiltiy to the most likely
sources of damage by leaving his system on all the time in the hopes it will
last longer (this example assumes he uses it 3 hours each evening but leaves
it on 24 hours a day). It just doesn't make sense.
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 192       Sun Jun 20, 1993
S.WINICK                     at 15:38 EDT

John,

Anyone running a high end workstation such as the TT030 really should  protect
his system and his data from those "external events" by use of a quality UPS
system.  The cost of those UPS' systems has come down considerably recently so
they now cost only slightly more than a quality surge/spike protection device.
The better ones, both surge/spike protectors as well as the battery-back up
UPS systems, offer total protection including a guarantee of free repair or
replacement of all connected equipment if anything is ever damaged by a surge
or spike.  Cheapest insurance you can ever buy for your system.  ;-]

Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC)
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 193       Sun Jun 20, 1993
AEO.5 [Ed Krimen]            at 17:20 EDT

B&C Computervisions in Santa Clara supposedly has a device that will enable
you to connect a Moniterm to a TT030.
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 194       Mon Jun 21, 1993
REALM [Joey]                 at 01:21 EDT

    I turn things off when not in use.  I figure, anything thats running, is
wearing.  Plus these drives where designed to be turned on and off by the
manufacturer so it shouldn't effect them any.  You should probably figure in
your electrical bill as well.  If your $200 drive cost $300 to let run for
three years it's not saving you much.:-)
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 195       Mon Jun 21, 1993
G.FUHRMAN [gnox]             at 05:32 EDT

John,

What Sheldon said.  Until I took his advice I used to shut everything down
nightly (and every time thunder threatened), but with that danger eliminated,
it makes more sense to avoid the major cause of wear and tear on hard drives,
which is starting and stopping.  The difference in power consumption is
negligible, I believe - it's like fluorescent lights, which consume lots of
power when you turn them on but much less while running.  (At least that's my
thinking - I'm no expert on this.)

By the way, Sheldon didn't profit from my taking his advice ... I got my Back-
UPS from the nearest computer dealer (non-Atari).

  gnox

 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 196       Mon Jun 21, 1993
J.SPANDE [John Spande]       at 21:12 EDT

I agree that a UPS system is a great idea, assuming one can afford one. And
while that probably covers the majority of threats to your computer system's
well being, it doesn't cover them all. The fact remains that the system is
more vulnerable when turned on than when it's off. Most accidents are
unanticipated if not downright wierd; something gets knocked off the desk, the
pet cat p___es on it, etc. A friend once discovered his 2 year old son
*standing* on top of his Syquest drive and reaching down trying to turn it on!

Also the power consumption is not so little if your talking about the
computer. I believe that a TT or MSTE draws about 100 watts - that's about 2
extra kilowatt hours a day. That means about 10 to 20 cents a day or $35 to
$70 a year.

Finally, what about the small but present possibility that an electrical fault
in your unattended but running equipment leads to a fire that burns your house
down.

There just is nowhere enough reason to leave equipment on to justify the
risks.
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 197       Mon Jun 21, 1993
T.MCCOMB [=Tom=]             at 21:36 EDT

Most failures occur during the power up/power down sequence.

It's the power surge/heating/cooling/expansion/contraction that kills
electronic devices.

Leaving them on eliminates almost all of the above.

Factoid:

I have two (non- ST) identical systems, running side by side.  One has been on
24 hrs a day for years (running a BBS) and the other is used occaisionally for
programming the BBS and is powered up/down frequently. The power supply for
the BBS computer has never been replaced. The power supply for the programming
station (which sees 5-10% usage as compared to the BBS machine) has been
replaced 4 times.

Believe it or not.

I leave my ST system on all the time unless I'm going to be gone for a few
days.

                -Tom

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Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 198       Tue Jun 22, 1993
REALM [Joey]                 at 03:51 EDT

    Ok, I think we should agree to disagree.:-)
 ------------
Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 199       Tue Jun 22, 1993
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 23:21 EDT

John,

Actually, common sense is not a guide here. Modems, for example, are better
protected against surges when they are on than when they are off, and an
electronic component designed for long life (a competent computer monitor, for
example) is less likely to fail from constant voltage than it is from the
surge of on/off transitions.

Hard drives spin all the time with almost no friction, and will last for
years. We know this at our office, with hundreds of PCs and Macs running all
the time, not to speak of our Unix boxes and minis.

Joey,

Your $200 drive is probably going to cost $20 to run all the time for three
years.

Al

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Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 200       Wed Jun 23, 1993
REALM [Joey]                 at 03:18 EDT

     Al,  What about technological lifespan!?  Thats where your product
becomes outdated and upgarded before anything can go wrong.  I bought a Falcon
and they had new TOS and a larger hard drive before I even got the box put
away.:-)
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Category 28,  Topic 11
Message 201       Wed Jun 23, 1993
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 20:34 EDT

Joey,

And now that HP has a tiny, tiny drive, even the replacement drive that the
Falcii are coming with is outdated!

Al

 ------------